School Board Representative, District 8
The Board of Education manages and controls all public schools established under its jurisdiction. It has primary authority over school matters, but management responsibilities are delegated to the superintendent.
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Erin O'Hara Block
(Dem)
What is your top priority for Metro Nashville Public Schools?
All children have the right to a quality education?
How will you work to strengthen the relationship between Metro Nashville Public Schools and the community?
Describe your experience or interest in education.
Education
Master of Public Policy from Vanderbilt’s Peabody College of Education and a Bachelor of Arts in American government and African and African American studies from the University of Virginia
Every neighborhood deserves a great public school, and my job as a school board member is to help make that happen. Over the next four years, I'll focus on supporting the MNPS Leadership Framework to ensure strong leaders in every school, creating conditions for academic and social-emotional growth, and holding the district accountable to clear goals and a credible plan to reach them. I'm especially committed to using what we learn through the Academies of Nashville Strategic Planning process to drive college and career readiness across the district.
A strong relationship between MNPS and the community starts with showing up — listening, caring, and acting. That's the commitment I've made to District 8 since 2022, and it's how I approach every aspect of this work. Over the next four years, I'll continue to prioritize community connection by being accessible and present in District 8, showing up at schools and community events, and making sure families know they have a voice in decisions that affect their children.
My paternal grandparents immigrated from Ireland with a 6th and 8th grade education and put 9 kids through school. My dad was the first in his family to go away to college and later earned a law degree. My siblings and I all have advanced degrees. I care about education because I know firsthand the difference it can make in our lives from one generation to the next.
I'm a mom of two MNPS students who wants her kids challenged, supported, and prepared. I've also spent more than twenty years shaping education policy and research in Nashville and across Tennessee. I know how much it matters to all of us that our kids have the experiences they need to succeed. Running for re-election is a continuation of my commitment to all of our kids.
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